The difference between wheel differential assembly and inter-axle differential assembly

InterWheel Differential Assembly and Axle Differential Assembly are two different differential devices that play different roles in the vehicle's drive system. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Location and scope:

   - The wheel differential assembly is located near each wheel of the vehicle, usually between the wheel and axle. Its main function is to allow two wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds to adapt to the vehicle's driving needs when turning or on uneven roads.

   - The interaxle differential assembly is located between the vehicle's driveshafts, usually between the front and rear driveshafts. Its function is to allow the wheels between the front and rear drive axles to rotate at different speeds to cope with the needs of the vehicle when driving on curves or on surfaces with different adhesion. Inter-axle differentials are generally used in four-wheel drive or multi-axle drive vehicles.

2. Installation location:

   - The wheel differential assembly is usually located on the drive shaft of each wheel and is directly connected to the wheel.

   - The inter-axle differential assembly is usually located in the center of the vehicle and is connected to the front and rear driveshafts to ensure power distribution between the front and rear driveshafts.

3. Purpose:

   - The wheel differential assembly is mainly used to solve the situation where the two wheels on a single axis rotate at different speeds. For example, when the vehicle turns, the inside wheel and the outside wheel need to rotate at different speeds to ensure smooth driving.

   - The inter-axle differential assembly is mainly used to solve the situation where the two sets of wheels rotate at different speeds between different drive axles to ensure the stability and traction of the vehicle in different terrains or road conditions.

4. Application areas:

   - Wheel differential assemblies are commonly used in cars, trucks and some light commercial vehicles, especially in front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles.

   - Inter-axle differential assemblies are more commonly found in off-road vehicles, SUVs, trucks and other heavy-duty and specialty vehicles that require multi-axle drive.

In short, the wheel differential assembly and the inter-axle differential assembly have different positions, scopes and uses in the vehicle's differential system. They both help ensure a smooth ride on corners and uneven road surfaces, but their application scenarios and working principles are slightly different.